Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider their key characteristics. The Aliaz switch is a tactile option, perfect for quiet environments such as offices, with a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Red switch is a linear choice, featuring a 22mm double-stage spring that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While the Aliaz switch delivers a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the WS Red switch provides a satisfying and substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Red, it is clear that they both prioritize sound profile, with the Aliaz utilizing polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings while the WS Red opts for nylon in both. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly emphasized when letting go of a key. On the other hand, nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, especially noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. However, both materials are transparent, making them suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz's polycarbonate top and bottom housings provide a clear and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and rounder sound, appealing to users who prefer a fuller typing sound. While the two materials may have distinct characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience in their own ways, offering a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for its stiffness and crisp sound, the WS Red opts for nylon for a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their own unique advantages and drawbacks, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that the Aliaz is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams. In contrast, the WS Red has a lower actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Aliaz. For those who prefer a typing experience that requires a heavier touch, the Aliaz would be the better choice. On the other hand, the WS Red would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. Regardless of the weight preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Red. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aliaz being more on the standard side and the WS Red being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the WS Red for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch's sound characteristics are not specified, but it is likely to produce a classic mechanical keyboard sound due to its material blend. Both switches can offer a pleasant typing experience, but the Aliaz will excel in creating a quieter environment for office settings or shared spaces.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness enhances the overall feel of typing by reducing resistance and providing a sleek key travel. While the specific feel of the WS Red switch is not mentioned, its 22mm double-stage spring and heavier actuation force should deliver a bouncy and substantial typing feel. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback that caters to different typing preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in providing a silent and pronounced typing feedback with a medium-heavy weight, making it suitable for quiet environments. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, delivering a satisfying and substantial feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a pleasing typing experience that meets your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you find yourself in a quiet environment like an office and prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch with its 75-gram bottom out force would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch with its 67-gram bottom out force might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience or a more substantial and satisfying feel to your keystrokes. Remember to consider both sound and feel preferences when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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